Starting engine after sitting for 4 yrs

[misty440]

So I will hopefully be starting her up after about 4 yrs of sitting in the garage. I will be getting some trans work done to repair the missing teeth that prevented me from turning over. I put stabil in the tank but that is all. What should I do before I try to start the engine?
Thanks,
Chris

[myk]

I've heard of squirting some oil down into the spark plug holes.  After 4 years any fuel in the system needs to be flushed out and replaced with fresh fuel.  Correct me if I'm wrong anyone, but retarding the timing may help the motor start up easier...

[grouseman]

Ensure you have oil in the pan.  If you want to remove the distributor and prime the engine pump before turning it over, that's a good idea.  But there's no value in disconnecting the coil and cranking the engine over to 'get the oil pressure up'.  You're better off just starting it.  Squirt some fresh fuel down the carb throat, placing the gas container far away from any possible backfire, and fire it up. 

[andy74]

i would pre lube the motor,change the fluids and drain and replace the gas-new plugs probably wouldnt hurt either

[TylerCharger69]

Not to pee on anybodies parade......but let's not hope a ring is not seized to a cylinder wall.....Get some oil in the plug holes  and let it soak a bit....it'll smoke at start-up...but it will eventually clear out.   The fuel change  and fluid changes is a good idea too....I, myself  would  "pre-prime" the engine before starting it.   Pull the distributor and pull the dist/oil pump gear....theres a hex-shaped tool that is long enough to reach the oil pump and connect to a drill so you can spin the oil pump...I made my tool out of a long center punch.

[deputycrawford]

Also remember, when you run the oil pump priming tool on a drill to run the drill backwards. You will not get any oil presure forward. You will feel the oil pressure climb when you run the drill backwards.

[TylerCharger69]

That is correct!!!(I forgot to add that)